Cruise Saudi, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) portfolio company, recently welcomed AROYA Cruises’ inaugural ship, AROYA, to Jeddah. After a comprehensive transformation, AROYA is now ready to call Jeddah its homeport.
“The arrival of AROYA marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cruise Saudi, and tourism in Saudi overall, in line with Saudi’s Vision 2030. Cruise Saudi was only launched in 2021 and witnessing the arrival of our first owned ship just three years later is a huge milestone,” stated Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi.
AROYA’s maiden voyage will depart Jeddah on December 16, taking passengers on a three-night journey across the Red Sea.
335-metre floating resort
Following months of dry-docking and design innovation in Bremerhaven and Rotterdam, AROYA now offers an exceptional cruising experience featuring a fully reimagined interior, with 95 percent of the ship’s spaces completely redesigned to reflect Arabian heritage and preferences.
AROYA is a 335-metre floating resort that includes 1,678 cabins with balconies overlooking the sea. The cruise ship also features luxury suites and villas. The ship accommodates over 3,362 passengers and includes 20 entertainment venues across 18 decks. In addition, AROYA Cruises offers exclusive VIP experiences with its spacious and premium suites, outdoor lounges, and exceptional dining experiences.
Tourists on the ship can also enjoy performances in the 1,018-seat theater, including shows and movies for children. The ship features an array of world-class facilities including a souq-inspired shopping district, the largest retail area ever built on a cruise ship. AROYA also features luxury spa facilities, a wellness center, 29 restaurants, lounges and cafes, and one of the largest children’s play areas at sea.
Read: Saudi Arabia issues first marina operator licenses in Yanbu and Al-Lith
Jeddah Islamic Port upgrades cruise facilities
Cruise Saudi confirmed that the infrastructure and logistics services at Jeddah Islamic Port are fully prepared to accommodate large cruise ships, following a comprehensive modernization of its facilities. The port upgraded its cruise terminal facilities to accommodate the largest cruise ships. In addition, it installed new bollards and fenders to serve cruise ships. The port’s historical significance as the primary gateway to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah further enhances its status as a global tourist hub.
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